Food & drink in Central Florida.

El Azteca Mexican Cocina

If you haven't found El Azteca Mexican Cocina yet, you're missing out on one of Bushnell's best-kept secrets — though with a 4.7-star Google rating and a loyal following, the secret is getting out fast. Tucked into Bushnell Plaza off SR 48, this family-run spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine that goes well beyond the typical Tex-Mex playbook. The enchiladas are rich and saucy, the fajitas come out sizzling, and the tamales taste like someone's abuela made them that morning. Don't skip the sangria — regulars call it spectacular, and they're not exaggerating. What sets El Azteca apart isn't just the food, though. It's the warmth. Reviewers consistently rave about the staff — attentive, genuine, the kind of service that makes you feel like family from the first visit. The dining room is clean and inviting, the kind of place you'd bring your parents or take the kids on a Tuesday night just as easily as a Friday date night. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the fresh, thin tortillas alone are worth the trip. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch combo, ordering takeout through Toast or DoorDash, or settling in for a full dinner with margaritas, El Azteca delivers every time. It's the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes you glad you live here — and if you're visiting the area, it's reason enough to get off the interstate.

The Whistle Stop

Beirut Bites

Quick-service Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery on 4th Avenue in Mount Dora. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, and kebabs — fresh, flavorful, and a welcome change of pace from the usual downtown options.

Miz Kathi's Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery

Southern comfort food and jaw-dropping cakes in downtown Wildwood. Miz Kathi's serves it up right -- hearty portions, scratch-made everything, and the kind of homestyle cooking that makes you wish you'd worn stretchy pants.

La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry

Authentic Italian gelato and pastry shop rated 4.9 stars. Homemade gelato, pastries, and espresso drinks.

Fujiyama Japanese Steak House

Family-owned Japanese steakhouse in Bushnell offering hibachi dinners, sushi rolls, and traditional entrees, with reservations, takeout, and delivery available.

Drafts Sports Bar & Grill

Classic sports bar at Lake Sumter Landing with dozens of TVs, pub grub, and cold draft beer. A top spot for watching games.

Square 1 Burgers & Bar

Craft burger joint in The Villages building smash burgers with creative toppings and a solid craft beer selection. The kind of place where the burgers are messy in the best way.

McCracken’s Irish Pub

Irish pub on Main Street in downtown Leesburg serving Irish-inspired dishes, cocktails, and draft beers including Guinness, with daily happy hour from 2-6 PM.

Don Ceviche Peru Mexico restaurant

Foxtail Coffee Co - Downtown Mount Dora

Specialty coffee in a beautifully restored 1923 brick building across from Donnelly Park. Original brick walls and tin ceiling meet modern espresso craft — a downtown must-stop for coffee lovers.

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

WingHouse Bar & Grill

Sports bar known for chicken wings, games on TV & scantily clad servers, plus event nights.

The Florida Porch Cafe

Charming tea-room-style cafe on Main Street in Leesburg serving quiche, salads, sandwiches, and wraps made from quality ingredients, with a quaint antique gift shop in the back.

Florida Cracker Tap Room and Bourbon Bar

Small, easygoing taproom with a broad selection of Florida-brewed craft beers, plus an outdoor area.

Four Smokes BBQ

Maramay

Foxtail Coffee - Downtown Eustis

Ruby Street Grille

Tavares' go-to for lakeside live entertainment and cold drinks. Ruby Street Grille keeps the patio packed with regular live music, a solid pub menu, and views of Lake Dora. It's more bar-with-great-food than restaurant-with-a-bar.

Copacabana Cuban Cafe

Authentic Cuban restaurant tucked in a downtown Mount Dora alley serving ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and what the Orlando Sentinel voted the best mojito in Central Florida. Live music and generous portions.

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.

The Coffee Corral

Coffee shop in Floral City serving specialty coffees and light bites in a relaxed setting.

Katya Vineyards

Family-owned winery since 2010 with a downtown tasting room. Winner of Best Florida Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition.

CFS Coffee

Colombian-inspired coffee shop at Spanish Springs Town Square serving authentic coffee from the Cocora Valley alongside empanadas, pancakes, and breakfast bowls in a cozy atmosphere.

Countryside Diner

100 Proof Saloon

Lou & Flo's Cajun Creations

Cajun and Creole food spot bringing Louisiana-style cooking to Dunnellon.

Darrell's Diner

Luna Azul Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant in Leesburg serving traditional dishes including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas made with fresh ingredients, plus a full bar with specialty margaritas and tequilas.

La Palma Mexican Grill

Casual, informal spot serving Mexican standards from tacos to burritos plus beers & tequila drinks.

Finca Pinar

Restaurant and catering business in Dunnellon offering fresh, farm-inspired cuisine.

El Marie Pizzeria and Sub Shoppe

Golden Spoon Diner

The Coffee Snob

A dedicated craft coffee roaster in Leesburg with the kind of bean obsession that justifies the name. They roast on-site, the espresso drinks are dialed in, and the shop has become a gathering spot for people who take their morning cup seriously.

Bella Nonna Pizzeria & More

New York-style pizza and Italian favorites in Tavares with late-night hours that make it the go-to after everything else closes. The pies are legit, the garlic knots are addictive, and the casual vibe keeps the neighborhood coming back.

Wolf Branch Brewing - Leesburg

Family-owned, veteran-operated brewpub on Main Street in Leesburg offering house-brewed craft beers and a menu of sandwiches including their signature Cuban.

Hen House Cafe

Family-friendly breakfast and lunch cafe in downtown Inverness open seven days a week, known for locally sourced vegetables, house-baked bread, and fresh daily soups.

The Brick & Barrel Public House

New American restaurant and bar on Main Street in Leesburg with a rustic-modern vibe, craft beer on tap, handmade cocktails, and live music Friday and Saturday evenings.

Beef 'O' Brady's

Family-friendly sports bar chain serving wings, burgers, and pub fare with plenty of TVs for game day. The kind of place where you can bring the kids and still catch the game.

LIXX Ice Cream Works

Milano Italian Grille

Italian restaurant in Ocala serving classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood in a comfortable setting. A reliable pick for a sit-down Italian dinner.

Ramshackle Cafe

Burgers, fish 'n' chips & other American comfort food in a cozy, kitsch-filled setting with a patio.

The Bell Clermont

J & T Smokehouse

Smokehouse restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

Redsauce

Classic Italian favorites in the heart of Lake Sumter Landing with award-winning wines and a lively atmosphere. The housemade pastas and red sauce recipes are the kind of comfort food that keeps this place packed year-round.

Legends Bar And Grill

Neighborhood bar and grill in Fruitland Park known for hand-tossed New York and Chicago-style pizza, oversized chicken wings with homemade sauces, pool tables, karaoke, and live music.

Rookies Family Grille & Bar

Lively, family-run sports bar & American grill offering lots of TVs, a kids' menu, patio & karaoke.

Old Mill Tavern

Rustic, lodge-style place with string lights & sports decor, offering beer, American grub & karaoke.